Princess Anne is set to bring her signature compassion to this year’s festive season as she hosts the annual Christmas celebration for The Not Forgotten Association at St James’s Palace. The event, which honours injured, ill, and isolated veterans and serving personnel, is a highlight of the royal calendar and a testament to the Princess Royal’s enduring commitment to the armed forces.
This year’s celebration is particularly poignant, marking the charity’s 105th anniversary. The Not Forgotten Association was founded by American soprano Marta Cunningham, who was moved by the sight of thousands of wounded servicemen in hospitals across Britain after the First World War. Determined to lift their spirits, Cunningham organised music, entertainment, and afternoon teas, creating the blueprint for a charity that continues to touch lives more than a century later.
From its very beginning, the association enjoyed royal support. With the permission of King George V and Queen Mary, the first official garden party was held at Buckingham Palace in August 1920. Service personnel were offered tea, cigarettes, and the chance to tour the Royal Mews and gardens. Within its inaugural year, the charity supported some 10,000 men and women, combining practical care with moments of joy and celebration.
Today, The Not Forgotten Association continues to provide leisure activities, travel, and holidays for wounded or ill service members, veterans, and those isolated from support networks. Its work spans all branches of the British Armed Forces, including the Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, Royal Marines, and Merchant Navy, and is guided by its motto, “from comradeship to challenge,” reflecting its mission to restore confidence, purpose, and wellbeing.
Princess Anne has been the association’s royal patron since 2000, following Princess Mary and The Duchess of Kent. Over two decades, she has overseen the charity’s growth and continued relevance, ensuring that veterans receive not only support, but recognition and celebration for their sacrifices. While the annual garden party at Buckingham Palace has occasionally been paused, such as in 2020 during the pandemic, the Princess Royal’s dedication has never wavered.
